Operating Instructions Refractometers

RM40 / RM50
Table of Contents

1 Introduction 7
2 Description of the Refractometer 8
3 Principles of Refractometry 10
3.1 Definition of the Refractive Index 10
3.2 Method of Measurement 10
3.3 Design of Measuring Cell 10
4 Description of Functions 12
4.1 Layout of the Terminal 12
4.2 Operating the Touchscreen 12
4.3 Homescreen 12
4.4 The User Interface 13
4.4.1 Entering Data in the User Interface. 13
4.4.2 Shortcuts 14
5 Setup 15
5.1 Adjustments & Tests 15
5.1.1 Adjustment Sets 16
5.1.2 Test Sets 16
5.2 Hardware 16
5.2.1 Cell 17
5.2.2 Automation 17
5.2.3 External Instruments 19
5.2.4 Peripherals 20
5.2.5 Sensors 23
5.2.6 Auxiliary instruments 24
5.3 User settings 25
5.3.1 Language 25
5.3.2 Screen 25
5.3.3 Beep 25
5.3.4 Shortcuts 26
5.3.5 Keyboards 26
5.4 Global Settings 26
5.4.1 System 26
5.4.2 User Management 26
5.4.2.1 Users 27
5.4.2.2 Account Policy 27
5.4.2.3 User Groups 27
5.4.3 Analysis and Resources Behavior 28
5.4.4 Physical Properties 29
5.5 Tables & Values 29
5.5.1 Tables 30
5.5.2 Auxiliary Values 31
5.6 Maintenance & Service 31
5.6.1 MT Service 31
5.6.2 Import / Export 32
5.6.3 Add External Cell 33
5.6.4 Reset to Factory Settings 33
5.6.5 Firmware 33
5.6.6 Update 33
5.6.7 Hardware / Firmware summary 34
5.6.8 Board Tests 34

Table of Contents 3
 5.6.9 Cell 34
5.6.10 Export Adjustments / Tests / Measurements 35
6 Methods and Products 36
6.1 Methods 36
6.1.1 Establishing Methods 36
6.1.2 Creating a Method Copy 38
6.1.3 Modifying or Deleting Methods 38
6.1.4 Method Syntax 38
6.1.5 Standard Data 40
6.1.6 Condition 40
6.1.7 Method Function 41
6.1.7.1 Title 42
6.1.7.2 Configuration 42
6.1.7.3 Sample 42
6.1.7.4 Fill 44
6.1.7.5 Measure 45
6.1.7.6 Calculation 47
6.1.7.7 Clean 48
6.1.7.8 Online Display 50
6.1.7.9 Report 50
6.1.7.10 Cell Test 51
6.1.7.11 Temperature Compensation 51
6.1.7.12 Adjustment 52
6.1.7.13 Test 52
6.1.7.14 Instruction 52
6.1.7.15 Auxiliary Value 52
6.1.7.16 Wait 53
6.1.7.17 Auxiliary instrument 53
6.1.7.18 PowerShower 54
6.1.7.19 Stir 55
6.1.7.20 Line rinse 56
6.1.7.21 Park 56
6.2 Products 56
6.2.1 Create Products 57
6.2.2 Linking Methods with Products 57
6.2.3 Parameters for Products 57
6.2.4 Calculations in Products 59
7 Series 60
7.1 Delete Series 61
7.2 Creating a series copy 61
8 Results and Statistics 62
8.1 Statistics 63
8.2 Information 63
8.3 Data 63
9 Manual Operation 65
9.1 Automation 65
9.1.1 Action: Dry 65
9.1.2 Action: Rinse 65
9.1.3 Action: Pump sample 66
9.1.4 Action: Move to position 66

4 Table of Contents
 9.2 Cell 66
9.2.1 Action: Cell conditioning 67
9.2.2 Cell Test 67
10 Analysis Sequence 68
10.1 Starting an Analysis 68
10.2 Start from Editor (Methods/Products/Series) 69
10.3 Start from Homescreen 69
10.4 Start via Shortcuts 69
10.5 Start with Barcode Reader 69
10.5.1 Start with Handheld Reader 70
10.5.2 Start with Built-in Barcode Reader 70
10.5.3 Start with ErgoSens 70
10.6 Continuous run 71
10.7 Analysis Termination 71
10.8 Errors in the Analysis Sequences 71
10.8.1 Malfunction Types: Error 71
10.8.2 Malfunction Types: Terminate error 71
10.8.3 Malfunction Types: Critical error 72
11 Tasks and Online Screen 73
11.1 Tasks 73
11.1.1 "Tasks" Button 73
11.2 Online Screen 73
11.2.1 Method type: Measurement 73
11.2.2 Method Type: Adjustment 74
11.2.3 Method Type: Test 74
11.2.4 Method Type: Clean 74
12 Appendix 75
12.1 Raw Data 75
12.2 Result proposals 76
12.3 Refractive Index for Water 78
12.4 Density 78
12.5 Critical errors 80
Index 82

Table of Contents 5
1 Introduction
Simple and compact
The METTLER TOLEDO RM40/RM50 refractometers are modern, compact instruments suitable for use in a vast
diversity of application areas. They can be used, for example, in quality control as well as in research and
development and meet the most demanding requirements.
These compact refractometers perfectly combine simple, easy-to-understand operation with an extremely high
level of measuring accuracy and outstanding reliability. With their plug & play capability, they automatically
detect external devices and sensors.
These refractometers can be operated as standalone instruments or run from a computer using the LabX PC
software. Straightforward user guidance on the large color touchscreen enables intuitive operation. User-defin­
able shortcuts allow all functions to be activated directly from the home screen with a single click.
Touchscreen control of the instrument and the method function parameters are described in the Operating
Instructions. The Installation Instructions explain all the necessary steps for setting up your instrument. You are
then guided through the first refractive index measuring process with the aid of a practical example.
If you have any additional questions, METTLER TOLEDO is always available to assist you.

Introduction 7
 2 Description of the Refractometer
The RM40 / RM50 refractometers measure the refractive index nD of liquids. The two instruments differ in mea­
suring precision. Both instruments:
● measure liquids whose refractive indices range respectively from 1.3200 to 1.7000 (RM40) and to
1.58000 (RM50).
● require only minimal sample quantities for measurements (0.5 mL),
● maintain the temperature of the sample constant with the aid of a built-in Peltier thermostat in a range from
5 to 100 °C (RM40) and 5 to 75 °C (RM40).
● directly indicate the sugar content of samples in various sugar units (Brix, invert sugar, HFCS42 or
HFCS55)
● calculate the concentration of a solution by means of data from measured standard solutions, literature
tables or formulas
● are equipped with an integrated test function that enables regular testing of the accuracy of the measure­
ment,
● enable checking of the product-related specification limits and generate rolling statistics.

The samples can be introduced manually with a syringe. For the optimal use of the RM refractometers, the fol­
lowing pumps and sample changers are available:
● A peristaltic pump (FillPal):
For the automatic filling, emptying and rinsing of the cell.
● The autosampler InMotion™
The autosampler for a completely automatic measurement of up to 303 aqueous, low viscous samples in
series.
● The automatic sample and cleaning unit (SC1):
for fully automated measurements of free-flowing and viscous samples. The system automatically cleans
and dries itself on completion of a measurement so that it is ready for the next measurement.
● The sample changer (SC30):
The SC30 sample changer for the completely automatic measurement of up to 30 samples in series.
The following devices can be connected:
● Computer for operation under LabX
● External measuring cells:
• METTLER TOLEDO DX40, DX45 or DX50 density - modules
• METTLER TOLEDO RX40 or RX50 refractive index - modules
● Barcode reader for scanning sample data, set values of certified standards and for starting measurements
● finger print reader for user identification
● Compact printer (USB-P25), to print out results
● External instruments:
• METTLER TOLEDO S20 – SevenEasy™ pH
• METTLER TOLEDO S30 – SevenEasy™ Conductivity
• METTLER TOLEDO S220 - SevenCompact™ pH/Ion
• METTLER TOLEDO S230 - SevenCompact™ Conductivity
• Lovibond colorimeters PFX880 / PFXi880, PFX950 / PFXi950 and PFX995 / PFXi995 series, Tintometer
• Minolta colorimeters CM-5 / CR-5
● USB stick
● External sensors:
• ErgoSens – Infrared movement sensor for the automatic start of measurements
• LevelSens – Level sensor for waste bottle
• AtmoSens – Air pressure sensor for measuring air pressure and taking the latter into account in adjust­
ments and tests with air.

Special features of the refractometer:

8 Description of the Refractometer